1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

What might we expect from Washington regarding retirement plans as a new election cycle approaches? What’s new since last year’s conference that could have an effect on your practice? Come learn the latest regulatory guidance from the IRS and DOL and its impact upon you and your clients. In addition, attendees will get an idea as to the direction the industry is headed with the current proposed legislation targeting retirement plans.

3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.

The IRS, DOL and PBGC normally tinker around the edges of the Form 5500 series reports from year to year. The DOL is considering a new round of changes to coincide with the next generation of EFAST. This session will provide an update on the Form 5500 series changes, but will also let you weigh in on what potential changes actually make sense.

If you're not already using new comparability in your plans, this session is going to help you gain an understanding of what you're missing. The power of this allocation design over your basic profit sharing formulas will be demonstrated by the numbers. If you are already using new comparability in your plans, then you will get a refresher on how this design works, how it is tested and some tips for its use. Come learn through actual examples of:

Almost every retirement plan sold today has a financial advisor. In fact, most providers require an advisor in order to utilize their record keeping platform. However, many administrators are unaware or uninformed of the differences between group annuities and registered products, how advisors are compensated and how much a plan really costs. TPAs are uniquely positioned to help guide an advisor through the complicated process of establishing the plan document as well as the proper record keeping platform. Join us for a session to develop an understanding of the world of advisors, wholesalers and record keepers so you can better serve advisors, plan sponsors and ultimately participants.

There is a trend in pricing services a la cart, which has raised a challenge when it comes to benchmarking fees. If plans of similar size have not engaged the same services as those plans in the benchmarking universe, you may be comparing apples and oranges. This session explores common services as well as those services that are unique. Attendees will learn:

What services are expected.

What services are unique.

What these services cost.

Where there is opportunity.

4:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.

With the upcoming 403(b) plan restatements, these plans are being put into the spotlight. How does a 403(b) differ from a 401(k) and what should a practitioner understand about their administration? This session will discuss:

Even though the PPA restatement cycle is complete, practitioners will have no time to rest. As with any restatement cycle there are always issues post-restatement to consider. In addition, the IRS’s decision to change the determination letter program and the implementation of a 403(b) pre-approved program, document sponsors will need to determine what services to provide. This session will discuss:

Options for plans that missed the PPA restatement cycle.

Possible law changes that may require plans to adopt post-PPA interim amendments.

Issues and opportunities surrounding the elimination of the determination letter program.

The 403(b) pre-approved document restatement timeline.

How to prepare for the 403(b) restatement and document issues to consider.

Do you know how to create a system to easily find your next client that will give you maximum exposure to drive traffic and sales like never before? This session is designed for those who need help talking to strangers, asking for the sale in a way that isn't "salesy" by showing them the benefits and not the features of a plan. The attendee will learn:

8:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

TPAs often say they deliver superior customer service - would all of your customers agree? Join us for a session designed to help you enhance your customers’ experience. This dynamic, content-rich program delivers practical and actionable tools that can be immediately applied. In this session the attendee will learn:

Critical components of delivering superior customer service.

Techniques for empowering individuals engaged in customer service.

Tools to implement into your daily practice.

10:15 a.m. – 11:05 a.m.

How exactly does the selection of a cash balance plan’s interest crediting rate affect the plan? Come hear the various acceptable interest crediting rates and the pros and cons of each, including guidance on setting optimal interest crediting rates to meet your clients’ varied goals. The implications of investment returns that exceed or fall short of the interest crediting rate will also be discussed.

The rules for excluding workers from participating in retirement plans differ based on the type of plan and the type of entity sponsoring the plan. The speaker will review the statutory eligibility exclusions for 401(k), 403(b), 457(b) and church plans.

Cash balance plans are an increasingly popular way to shelter dollars for retirement. If you haven’t had a lot of exposure to this type of plan, or you need a refresher, attend this session to discuss:

The benefit structure versus traditional defined benefit plans.

Advantages and examples of using combo plans.

Funding and deduction limitations.

11:25 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

A change in the plan year for a qualified plan seems like a fairly simple process. However, there are several limitations and problematic situations that can occur during the “short period” of the change. This session will address:

Defined benefit plan distributions are simple enough in theory. In practice, though, they can get complicated. This session will focus on practical aspects of paying benefits from a defined benefit plan, so you can field client questions like these:

How are my plan’s benefits, stated as an annuity, converted to a lump sum?

My plan is frozen. Why do the lump sum payout amounts change?

I have a cash balance plan. The SPD says my staff can get annuities. How does that work?

My prior TPA wrote this plan with 10 options for annuity payments. I hate it! What annuity forms must a plan allow? Can I eliminate any of these?

We’re terminating the plan. How will I pay annuities going forward?

Do people currently receiving annuities get the option to switch to a lump sum now?

Whatever business you’re in, there’s a fundamental need to support the staff that work there. That is where human resource management comes into play. It is important the HR professionals, business owners, and key management understand all the basics of managing talent and developing employees. A changing workforce as it pertains to aging, diversity and new generations present challenges. Attendees will learn the following:

What are the latest trends in HR management due to a changing work force.

What are some of the factors that influence employee motivation.

How do you select employees and what types of interviews are best suited for
your hiring situation.

Recent court cases have shed light on church plans and the determination of a plan being eligible for an exemption under ERISA. It is important to understand how an organization determines its “church” status and how that determination affects the plan administration. This session will cover:

What is required for an organization to qualify as a church.

The differences between a 3121(w)(3)(A), 3121(w)(3)(B) and a 414(e) church organization.

A comparison of church sponsored 401(a), 403(b) and 457(b) plans.

Issues surrounding church plans with related entities.

1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.

As TPAs, we gather and store vast amounts of data on just about everything, but do we understand how to take advantage of the contacts and relationships that influence our business? By keeping in touch with contacts that are your important referral sources, you can continue to generate new business opportunities. In this session attendees will learn:

How to organize and standardize contact data.

How to understand the influence that contacts have on your exiting business.

As each employer is unique, the retirement plan that is best suited for that employer is also unique. This session will discuss, with specific examples, the different types of retirement plans and the common limitations and requirements associated with each. Attendees will review:

Small business owners face endless regulations from both federal and state governments. A cash balance plan can be a vehicle to help an owner pass on his or her company; bypassing traditional methods like bank financing. Come learn about how to help your clients enjoy the fruits of their labor and get a premium price for the sale of their firm, using a cash balance plan. This session will cover how this can be accomplished using:

The stand-alone cash balance plan.

The 401(k)/cash balance combo arrangement.

Techniques to better help and guide your clients in today’s tough banking environment.

When the IRS sent out the 401(k) Questionnaire, we wondered if they would find problem areas in plan compliance...and they did. As of October 1, 2015, the IRS no longer responds to practitioner emails requesting guidance, but will instead focus on plan examinations. What will they request? What are they looking for? And, how can you prepare? This session will focus on:

Current plan examination issues.

How to assist clients in IRS audit preparation in light of the IRS’ new focus.

Best Practices beginning now and how that may change the services you perform.

3:00 p.m. – 3:50 p.m.

The task for employers to classify workers has become a monumental feat, and most do not have the expertise to determine how they should be classified. The effects of incorrectly classifying workers can be detrimental to an employer’s qualified plan. This session will help you with correctly classifying workers and also with the process for related plan corrections. Attendees will learn about:

We all know the laws and regulations governing qualified retirement plans are overwhelming in number and complexity. It can be daunting to help your client simply understand which government entity is concerned with what facets of a plan. In the defined benefit plan arena, plans covered by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) are subject to an extra layer of regulations and additional costs for your clients. They are going to need your help! This session will focus on single employer plans and remind attendees:

Which defined benefit plans are covered by PBGC.

The ‘insurance’ PBGC provides covered plans.

How the annual premium is calculated and filed via PBGC’s “MyPAA” site.

Additional filings that PBGC may require.

The annual funding notice requirement.

How PBGC coverage affects the plan termination process, including the ability of owners to waive benefits in an underfunded plan.

Historically, TPAs have held a leadership position in technology provided to both plan sponsors and advisors. The tea leaves indicate a growing reliance by both plan sponsors and advisors on TPAs to deliver more technology driven solutions. The key to a successful roll out of new technology solutions resides on communication. For the first time in our history we have four generations working at the same time and each processes information differently. Attendees can look forward to discussing:

Although governmental plans are not subject to ERISA, there are still rules governing these plans as outlined in state statutes and regulations. Before consulting on a governmental plan, state laws need to be reviewed to determine if certain rules apply to a plan. This session will cover:

This session will take an in-depth look into administrative issues related to required minimum distributions (RMDs). In addition, the speaker will address correction options for plan failures related to RMDs. Attendees will learn about:

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Success is developed not only through external achievements but the internal ones which are those that decide if you actually accomplish your goals, your dreams and your total happiness. The speaker will walk attendees step by step through how to create a win-win scenario for their outer self and inner self. Attendees should be ready to create an instant change that will set them on the ultimate path to achieve a perfect rest of the year! In this session attendees will learn:

How to challenge themselves a little each day.

Ways to build relationships that create opportunities.

How to unlock their own personal success.

Techniques to release stress and achieve more.

How to become a recovering perfectionist.

10:30 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.

Come hear an actuary highlight the most important numbers in an actuarial valuation. This is part one of two sessions, designed for a non-actuary. The speaker will guide you through two actuarial valuations: one a traditional defined benefit plan; and one a cash balance plan. Attendees will gain an understanding of the terms used and numbers throughout. References to Schedule SB and the annual funding notice will also be included.

We all know the rules we were taught as children. Are they still applicable in business today? Is it always clear? This session will explore the skills and tools an ethical person needs in providing services to clients. This session will cover:

In order to consistently achieve great results in every area of our life, we must first breakthrough the barriers of what is holding us back. Once we penetrate and breakthrough to our brilliance then we will produce the results we have always desired. In this session attendees will learn:

How to truly discover your brilliance and unlock it in every area of your life.

How to overcome fear and breakthrough to freedom that will provide you consistency.

This session will be the commencement of an extended case study of the life of a retirement plan. This initial session will delve into the installation of a retirement plan. Even though the initial setup is often the most important phase in the life of a retirement plan, quite often it ends up getting done at the last minute. The selection of the right type of retirement plan for an employer can determine the long term success of the plan. This session will discuss the different types of retirement plans available to employers, including a review of document provisions and best practices for a successful plan set up.

11:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Defined benefit plans face compliance testing not unlike a defined contribution plan. However, they have an extra test, minimum participation also known as 401(a)(26). This session will go through how coverage and top heavy calculations are handled when you are dealing with benefits as opposed to account balances. Attendees will be able to:

There have always been situations where ethics took a holiday but we tend to shy
away from discussions of borderline cases that may have occurred. This session will examine real-life scenarios where the practitioner has a choice to do the right thing. Attendees will gain an understanding of:

This session is a continuation in the extended case study of the life of a retirement plan. Once a retirement plan has been installed, now the employer gets to experience the operational existence of the plan. This session will review how to apply the selected eligibility requirements, and how those selections can affect the required yearly testing and design specialties such as cross-testing with self-employment compensation.

To be a “go-to” partner is to be regarded as a valued expert. An effective way to assert this is to share insights and education with your partners and clients. The hard part is finding the time to publish your message. This interactive session will develop three ways to jump start your creative thinking and capture your expert voice. Attendees will leave with ideas, outlines and a calendar they can use to more actively communicate their value and knowledge.

2:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

The overall success of any business revolves around effective communication and how to interact with individuals with different backgrounds and personalities. Do you know how to handle and communicate with difficult people in challenging situations? How do you learn to break the barriers and reduce frustrations created by the roadblocks and stress of ineffective communication? Attendees will learn:

This session is a continuation in the extended case study of the life of a retirement plan. It is not uncommon for businesses to experience a merger or acquisition, which can have a direct effect on the retirement plan. This session will explore the options, process and procedures involved with a stock acquisition and an asset acquisition of two separate businesses. Included in the study will be:

Since the late 1800s, the retirement plan industry has constantly evolved. Many of these changes have proven to be better for the plan sponsors and participants. However, this presentation shines a spotlight on certain ideas that are prevalent in today’s marketplace that are well intended but could have unintended consequences. In order to help retirement plan advisors, TPAs and their clients understand these strategies so they can avoid the potential pitfalls, this session will explore the following:

Offering a large selection of investment options.

Using style boxes to select the plan’s investment menu.

Seeking to reduce liability with a fiduciary warranty.

Offering a loan option to participants.

Frequent fund replacement for a “best-in-class” menu.

3:10 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

This session is a continuation of Actuarial 101, highlighting the most important numbers in an actuarial valuation. Your guided tour through the two different actuarial valuations will continue to provide you an understanding of the terms and numbers used throughout.

With a 150 percent increase in filing penalties and the IRS crackdown on fraudulent income tax returns, your in-house 1099-R preparation/filing policies and procedures have become critical. Until a few years ago, penalties for late 1099-R filings were unheard of. Things have changed and continue to change. This session will explore:

Have you ever wondered what type of leader it takes for people to follow? Do people follow because they are given permission or do they follow because of passion? This session will discuss what it takes for leaders to create other leaders, create an effective mentorship and fine tune the leader in “You.” Attendees will take away:

How to implement a strategy to reproduce leaders.

How to coach and mentor staff to facilitate team production.

How to demonstrate the competencies of a leader that is passionate about helping others grow.

How to identify who you are as a leader and establish habits that leaders use to be successful.

This session is a continuation of the extended case study of the life of a retirement plan. The reality is that mistakes do happen in retirement plans. The correction of the following common mistakes will be reviewed:

Participants allowed to contribute before the plan’s eligibility requirements allow.

Participants denied the timely opportunity to participate.

Top heavy non-compliance.

The late remittance of payroll deducted contributions.

4:20 p.m. – 5:10 p.m.

Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs) can be a great solution for companies seeking to reduce the cost of administration and/or gain access to a better investment lineup. This session is intended to provide understanding of the practical application of MEPs and provide:

This session is a continuation in the extended case study of the life of a retirement plan. The purpose for setting up the initial plan was for owner tax deductions, but the DC plan just wasn’t enough. Attendees will learn the logistics behind the addition of a cash balance plan:

Most TPA websites are passive brochures designed to answer basic questions about plan design and administrative/consulting services. It’s time to take advantage of marketing automation technologies. Identify and engage with visitors to your site in a more powerful, focused and personal way to help drive business growth. Attendees will also learn:

Do plan participants fully understand the significance of who they designate as their beneficiary? Does the practitioner? Certain life events impact the designation and can cause confusion when it is time for the beneficiary payout. This session will cover the beneficiary rules applicable to qualified plans and how to apply the designation form. Attendees will learn:

How a divorce or pre-nuptial agreement impacts the beneficiary designation.

The hot topic “Am I a fiduciary?” in today’s retirement plan world begins by understanding and defining the roles of trustee, plan administrator, custodian, service provider and employer. This session will cover in detail the individual roles and responsibilities as well as address the fiduciary duties of each, if any. This session will explore:

Trust and loyalty play vital roles in forging lasting relationships with retirement plan sponsors, financial advisors and even participants. Establishing a sense of loyalty among retirement plan clients is very complex; however, through intentional strategies that convey skill and reliability. TPAs can develop the bonds of loyalty which can lead to increased retention, referrals and endorsements from your clients and centers of influence. Attendees will explore the following:

How key attributes can result in stronger client loyalty and lead to more effective communication with plan sponsors, financial advisors and participants.

The building blocks of a more purposeful strategy for cultivating loyalty.

This session is a continuation of the extended case study of the life of a retirement plan. At some point, our plans may need to be terminated. Quite often the DB plan will terminate first, but eventually the DC plan may terminate as well. Attendees will review the steps involved in DB and DC plan terminations:

Combo plans can be a creative and powerful plan design option, however, this can be complicated, and performing the combined testing can lead to testing failures. This session will address some of the problems that lead to testing issues as well as a few creative design solutions to remedy them. Attendees will be able to:

Determine if the DB/DC plan design is effective based on the plan demographics.

ESOPs! Every ESOP seems to contain unique complications: required employer loan payments with regards to limits or failures, dividend treatments, fair value rules and ‘follow the shares’, S-distributions and Section 409(p) all contribute to the complex administration environment of ESOPs. This session will address and de-mystify:

Millennials are now the largest generation of employees and consumers, and are the future of every organization, business and government. In this session you will learn how to understand, attract and retain them as employees as well as what factors shaped the Millennials into the generation they are. In addition, attendees will learn:

Characteristics and differences between older and younger generations.